The Dutchman, who won the Premier League and FA Cup while at Arsenal, earned the nickname ‘The Roadrunner’ for his speed and ability to run around defenders

Wayne Rooney says Raheem Sterling reminds him of former winger Marc Overmars and backed him to have a “massive” future for England and Liverpool.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season last term and was a key catalyst as Brendan Rodgers’s side mounted a late-season title charge.

Sterling’s performances earned him a place in Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad and was one of very few to leave Brazil with any credit following a dismal first-round exit for the Three Lions.

Ahead of England’s opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland, Rooney says Sterling reminds him of former Ajax, Arsenal and Barcelona winger Overmars.

“Before the World Cup I showed him videos of Marc Overmars because he reminded me of him,” Rooney told reporters. “He has the potential to be as good as Overmars.

“Raheem is a fantastic and quite an unusual player. He can play right across the front line, out wide. Although he’s a small lad, he’s really strong.

“The potential he’s shown is incredible. He’ll be a massive player for us over the next 10 to 15 years and, unfortunately, for Liverpool.”